Social media influencer Orry has been summoned in a drug-related case by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Police. According to reports, he was asked to appear before investigators on 10 am on Thursday. 

Orry, whose full name is Orhan Awatramani, is a prominent influencer and socialite known for his proximity to Bollywood stars. As per initial reports, the Mumbai police summoned Orry for questioning in a ₹252-crore drug probe following claims made during the interrogation of Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh alias Lavish, a suspected drug trafficker brought to India after being deported from Dubai.

Social Media Star Orry Summoned for Questioning in ₹252 Crore Drug Probe

Anil Kapoor is set to return to one of his most enduring roles, with a sequel to the 2001 political drama 

 officially in development. The confirmation comes from producer Deepak Mukut, who said the actor will both co-produce and reprise his role in 

, nearly 25 years after the original film’s release.

“Yes, the sequel is in the works, and we are producing the film together,” Mukut told 

, adding that Kapoor’s on-screen return is assured. “Of course, he will,” he said when asked whether the actor would also feature in the film.

However, Mukut cautioned that the project remains in its early stages. Speaking separately to 

, he said discussions are ongoing and that details regarding the cast, director and production schedule are yet to be finalised. “It is too early to say anything about it since several discussions are going on,” he said. “We will announce it shortly. It is a legacy project. It’s been almost 25 years. Every film has its own destiny.”

, directed by S. Shankar, told the story of Shivaji Rao, a television journalist who publicly challenges a corrupt chief minister during a live debate and is unexpectedly sworn in as chief minister for a day. The film starred Kapoor in the lead, with Rani Mukerji, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal and Saurabh Shukla in prominent roles. Amrish Puri’s turn as the authoritarian chief minister Balraj Chauhan remains one of the film’s most cited performances.

The Hindi film was itself a remake of Shankar’s 1999 Tamil blockbuster 

, and while it received mixed reviews on release, it has since gained a strong afterlife through television reruns and online circulation, with Kapoor’s performance frequently singled out by audiences.

 will only move forward once the script is fully locked. Reports suggesting that Kapoor had acquired the film’s rights were clarified by Mukut, who said the sequel would be jointly produced rather than independently mounted by the actor.

Anil Kapoor Returning for 'Nayak' Sequel Nearly 25 Years After Original

 on Monday announced that it has renewed its 

for a second season. Headlined by Kunal Kemmu, the show followed the story of a single father navigating parenthood, family dynamics, and the everyday absurdities of life.

—also starring Prajakta Koli, Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza, Neha Dhupia, Suhail Nayyar, Dayanand Shetty, Aisha Ahmed, Dhruv Rathee and Isha Talwar—featured in Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows for two weeks. 

Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, said the aim with season 2 is to bring "even more heart, humour and warmth" to audiences.

“The fact that it’s been trending globally for two weeks since release, and became No. 1 in India so quickly, reminds us why we tell these stories - because honest, simple emotions still connect deeply. We’re so grateful that 

 has resonated as a true family entertainer."

Created and co-produced by Ishita Moitra and Neeraj Udhwani, with Shashank Khaitan serving as the executive producer, and directing alongside Hitesh Kewalya and Udhwani, the series is produced by Aditya Pittie and Samar Khan under the Juggernaut Productions banner. 

was always conceived as a long-form, family-first story that could grow with its characters. Seeing audiences connect so deeply with baby Amul, Gaurav and the Gehlots only reinforces our belief that their story was never meant to end with a single chapter," said Khaitan. "The Gehlots’ journey is far from over, and Season 2 allows us to explore their relationships, challenges and joys with even greater depth and warmth," he added.

The show starred Kemmu as Gaurav "GG" Gehlot, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he adopts a baby soon after his divorce. The show, which dropped on December 12, featured six episodes. It is the first Netflix series that has been renewed for season two this year.

Netflix Renews Kunal Kemmu-Starrer 'Single Papa' for Season 2

 has reportedly been cast as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh in the upcoming post-apocalyptic zombie thriller 

. If true, this will mark the Bollywood debut of Priyadarshan, who rose to nationwide prominence with the blockbuster

is expected to go on floors between July and August this year and is being developed as a large-scale genre project led by Ranveer Singh. It is being directed by filmmaker Jai Mehta as his feature debut. Mehta previously co-directed the series 

 and also directed the seabound thriller 

is expected to place a strong emphasis on world-building, with the narrative reportedly following the protagonist’s struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic setting. According to a report in 

, Jai Mehta will “reimagine Mumbai in *The Hunger Games’ style set-up” for the film. The report added, “Large sections of the city will be digitally aged to give it an abandoned look. Parts of the film will be shot in Mumbai, before moving to other locations.”

Ranveer Singh fronted the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 with 

. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film featured Singh as an Indian spy who infiltrates a Pakistani criminal gang based in Karachi. The espionage thriller opened to strong numbers and sustained momentum across weeks, grossing over ₹1200 crore at the global box-office. 

 While the reason behind his departure wasn't confirmed, a Mid-Day report claimed that the actor's commitment to an apparent additional shooting days of 

 was one of the roadblocks, apart from "a hike in his remuneration" after the historic success of 

Kalyani Priyadarshan, meanwhile, has signed to do a solo Tamil film

‘Pralay’: Kalyani Priyadarshan To Play Female Lead In Ranveer Singh’s Zombie Film

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s espionage action drama 

is pulling off the impossible every weekend as it continues to script new records and topple box-office milestones set by previous blockbusters. The film, headlined by Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, is set to enter the ₹800 crore club and will become the only Hindi language film to do so.

has already inaugurated the ₹700 crore club for an 

and will comfortably cross ₹800 crore this week. The film will then chase the trade collections of Allu Arjun’s 

in Hindi, which had netted around ₹812 crore last year.

had a fantastic fifth weekend, where it netted over ₹33 crore, adding to the total of ₹772 crore in 31 days.  Globally, the film has already grossed over ₹1200 crore—a historic figure for the Hindi film industry, which previously saw the milestone being breached by 

’s figure and become the highest-grossing film in the Hindi language. The film faced no impact from the recent releases, including 

—which has bombed at the box-office—and 

, in fact, has held decently well over the holiday period as it netted over ₹20 crore in India, as per Sacnilk. The Agastya Nanda-led film had a four-day extended weekend and is now expected to maintain a decent hold on Monday for a reasonable lifetime collection. 

, meanwhile, will virtually enjoy a free run at the Hindi box-office as the only other big release of the month will be 

. Starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahaan Shetty

, among others, the war drama is gearing up for a grand release on January 23.

Box-Office | Ranveer Singh-Led 'Dhurandhar' Set to Cross ₹800 Crore; ‘Ikkis’ Mints Over ₹20 Crore

 just got a trailer. The almost three-minute trailer shows us glimpses of Chiranjeevi's intelligence officer, who navigates romance and a strenuous life as a man who fights thugs. The film will be released on January 12.

The film, written and directed by Anil Ravipudi, also co-stars Venkatesh Daggubati, who gets a fun appearance in the trailer too. 

The Telugu film is the actress Nayanthara's third consecutive film with Chiranjeevi, following 

also featured Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary, and opened to generally positive reviews, emerging a success at the box office. He was also seen in the 

, as Rana Daggubati's father, Naga, in the Netflix action drama

Chiranjeevi, on the other hand, was last seen in 

In other news, a team of Telugu cinema stalwarts, including Megastar 

, recently visited the Hyderabad City Police on Monday to congratulate their team on the arrest of a man named Immadi Ravi, who ran the illegal movie site iBomma.

In a press address right after the meeting, Chiranjeevi blamed sites such as iBomma for the underperformance of films such as Ram Charan’s Shankar-directed 

. The leaked version of the recently-released 

, led to the police crackdown of what is considered one the country’s biggest piracy sites, according to a report in 

Chiranjeevi said, “At the beginning of 2025, Dil Raju’s Game Changer, and later, films like 

, have all faced losses at the box office due to this man (Immadi Ravi),” he said.

'Mana ShankaraVara Prasad Garu' Trailer: Chiranjeevi And Nayanthara In An Action Comedy

Sivakarthikeyan took his time during the audio launch of his latest 

 to address almost all the cast and crew members of his period film. In his long speech, which he began by asking to be excused for its duration, he addressed several topics in a light and funny manner.  He also didn’t miss out on the opportunity to speak about the film's clash with 

. These films were initially expected to be released within a one-week gap, but the release of Sivakarthikeyan’s film was advanced at the last minute.

when he first saw the script of Sudha Kongara’s film, he was surprised that it was all in English. Even the way Sudha narrated the ideas within the film was all in English, making him feel awkward. Joking about her “Shakespeare English," he joked about how he used ChatGPT to understand her instructions.

 clash, he said, “A lot of people are reading too much into my film’s clash with Vijay sir’s final film. When the release date was advanced, I was surprised, and I even asked producer Akash Bhaskaran if we should rethink the date. When we first thought of an October release, we decided to push it only because that was when 

 was scheduled. Then we later had to move it to January because if we lose these days, we will be forced to delay the release by several months.” He added that the investors had already been informed of a Pongal release and that a summer release may cause unwanted issues for the film.

A synopsis on the website of the International Film Festival of Rotterdam reads, "Tamil superstar Sivakarthikeyan plays Chezhiyan, who becomes involved in a student movement and finds himself in a life-and-death struggle with a ruthless intelligence officer. In her latest historical film, Sudha Kongara combines action, intrigue, romance, and songs into a captivating drama."

Sivakarthikeyan On The Clash Of 'Parasakthi' With Vijay’s 'Jana Nayagan'

 was released over the weekend, on the heels of the Tamil film's release on January 10. "

Rebellion has a voice. Justice has a price. Parasakthi brings a powerful story of resistance to the big screen," reads its caption. The film, set in the late '60s, follows the Hindi imposition resistance movement brewing in Tamil Nadu. Sivakarthikeyan, who plays a coal tosser for the Indian Railways, realises his true purpose in life when Hindi is announced the official language of the country.

The film also co-stars Atharvaa and Sreeleela, who help him on this journey. While Sivakarthikeyan initially learns Hindi with some help from Sreeleela, he contemplates the optics quickly. "We're not against Hindi or Hindi-speaking people, but only against Hindi imposition," he says at one point in the video. Going head-to-head against Sivakarthikeyan's bravado is Ravi Mohan, who is bent on bringing the former's protests to the ground, branding their efforts "anti-national."

was recently advanced to January 10, 2026. The film's production banner Dawn Pictures recently made this announcement in a statement. 

The new date places the film in the crosshairs of 

, which is also scheduled for a Pongal release on January 9. In a statement, Dawn Pictures attributed the decision to sustained demand from theatrical stakeholders across the globe. The film was earlier scheduled to arrive on January 14.

Lensed by Ravi K Chandran, and written by 

Sudha Kongara and Arjun Nadesan, the film has music by GV Prakash Kumar. 

'Parasakthi' Trailer: Sivakarthikeyan Fights Against Hindi Imposition

, starring Tamil superstar Vijay, has sparked a surge of online attention, with early viewership figures and social media reactions underscoring the anticipation surrounding what is expected to be the actor’s final film before he turns his focus fully to politics.

Unveiled on Saturday evening ahead of the film’s theatrical release on 9 January, the trailer amassed close to a million views across its Tamil, Telugu and Hindi versions within the first 30 minutes. The producers later claimed it was the fastest Kollywood trailer to cross five million real-time views, a marker of the intense fan interest attached to the project.

Directed by H Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions in its first Tamil outing, 

 features Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, with Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani in supporting roles. The film was initially announced in September 2024 under the working title 

, denoting Vijay’s 69th outing as a lead actor, with the final title revealed earlier this year.

Filming began in Chennai in October 2024, followed by schedules in Payanoor and subsequent shoots back in the city, before wrapping in August 2025. The technical team includes composer Anirudh Ravichander, cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan and editor Pradeep E Ragav. The film is slated for a Pongal release on 9 January 2026.

Alongside the celebratory tone of much fan commentary, the trailer has also reignited speculation about the film’s narrative origins. Long-standing rumours suggesting that 

 gained traction online after the trailer’s release, with viewers pointing to perceived similarities in plot and character arcs.

Addressing these discussions, director H Vinoth recently urged audiences to reserve judgement. “This is a Thalapathy padam,” he said, acknowledging concerns about remakes and inspiration. “Please wait until one show ends. You’ll get your answer.” He added that viewers need not worry about whether the film is a remake or contains inspired scenes.

Vijay’s 'Jana Nayagan' Trailer Draws Record Views As Fans Hail Actor’s Last Dance

In a major update, filmmaker Cibi Chakaravarthi has replaced Sundar C. as the director of 

, the film is produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International along with R Mahendran. 

 (tentative title) is one of the biggest Tamil films under production this year, creatively reuniting Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth after years. The makers shared the update with a poster bearing the tagline, "Every Family Has A Hero." 

Back in November, Sundar C. surprised fans by announcing his departure from 

 just a month after the film was officially announced. In a statement shared on social media, the filmmaker confirmed his 'difficult decision' to step away from the highly anticipated project, citing 'unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances'.  He, nevertheless, wished the two superstars well, emphasising that he will always hold them in 'highest regard'.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share some important news with you. Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to step back from the prestigious project, #Thalaivar 173. This venture, featuring the legendary Superstar Thiru. Rajinikanth Avl and to be produced by the illustrious Ulaghanayagan Thiru. Kamal Haasan Avi, was indeed a dream come true for me," Sundar C had stated.

Cibi Chakaravarthi directed the 2022 comedy drama 

starring Sivakarthikeyan. The film revolved around an engineering student and aspiring filmmaker who clashes with his strict professor at his college.  

With a new director in place, production is set to roll on 

. The film has been scheduled for a Pongal 2027 release. Anirudh is composing the film's music in his what is his fifth major Rajinikanth outing. 

 in 2026, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The superstar will reprise the character of "Tiger" Muthuvel Pandian in the sequel. He is joined by SJ Suryah, Ramya Krishnan, Mithun Chakraborty and others in the cast. 

Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar 173' Finds New Director in Cibi Chakaravarthi After Sundar C. Exit

Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan began the New Year with the announcement of a new feature film, confirming a long-delayed collaboration with director Surrender Reddy. The project, backed by producer Ram Talluri under the banner Jaithra Rama Movies, marks Talluri’s debut as a producer. The banner name, according to reports, was suggested by Pawan Kalyan himself.

The collaboration had originally been planned in 2021 but was shelved due to a combination of scheduling and logistical issues. Its revival has been met with considerable interest, particularly as it brings together a team that has remained inactive on the project front for several years. Screenwriter Vakkantham Vamsi has been confirmed as the writer, while further details regarding the cast, crew, and production timeline are yet to be announced.

, which performed strongly at the box office. He has since been juggling film commitments alongside his political responsibilities, resulting in staggered production schedules for several projects.

Among those nearing completion is an action drama directed by Harish Shankar, also starring Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna. Shooting for the film wrapped in September, with the team sharing behind-the-scenes footage and photographs to mark the occasion. Harish Shankar publicly acknowledged the actor’s involvement despite his demanding schedule, a gesture that drew significant attention online. The film’s release date has not yet been announced.

That project brings together a prominent technical team, including composer Devi Sri Prasad, cinematographer Ayananka Bose, editor Ujjwal Kulkarni and action choreographers Ram-Laxman. Anand Sai serves as production designer, with K Dasharath handling the screenplay and additional writing by C Chandra Mohan. Pawan Kalyan is also expected to prioritise completing work on 

Separately, reports have suggested that filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj is in early discussions for a large-scale action project with Pawan Kalyan. If confirmed, the film would mark the actor’s first collaboration with Kanagaraj, known for building the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. However, no official announcement has been made regarding this project.

Pawan Kalyan Announces New Film with Surrender Reddy, Reviving Stalled 2021 Collaboration

Netflix experienced a brief technical outage as the series finale of 

 premiered, marking the second disruption associated with the show’s final season. The issue occurred around 5 pm PT (

), coinciding with the scheduled release time of the episode, and was resolved within minutes after users refreshed the app.

Subscribers who encountered the error were shown a familiar placeholder image from Netflix’s baking competition 

, accompanied by a message apologising for difficulties processing their request. The interruption echoed a similar incident on 26 November, when the first batch of episodes from the show’s fifth and final season was released. That outage lasted approximately five minutes.

 has strained Netflix’s infrastructure. In July 2022, the release of the final episodes of season four also caused intermittent access issues for viewers. More broadly, Netflix has faced technical challenges during high-profile events, including livestreaming problems during last year’s Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing match.

Despite Wednesday’s brief disruption, the platform has largely weathered the intense demand generated by the final season. The second batch of episodes, released on Christmas Day, streamed without incident and delivered Netflix its highest-ever viewership for the holiday. Season five became the most-watched title globally that day, driven by the release of three new episodes.

According to Netflix’s internal figures, the final season recorded 34.5 million views worldwide between 22 and 28 December, marking its second-strongest week. The season’s debut week in November drew 59.6 million views, making it the platform’s most successful opening week ever for an English-language series.

The finale is also receiving a limited theatrical rollout, with screenings scheduled across select cinemas on New Year’s Eve. Co-creator Ross Duffer said that more than 1.1 million people had RSVP’d for theatrical showings, with 3,500 screenings sold out across 620 venues.

“What a way to close out a 10-year journey — together,” Duffer wrote on Instagram alongside his brother and fellow creator Matt Duffer, reflecting on the conclusion of the series that has become one of Netflix’s defining cultural exports.

 debuted in 2016 and concludes after five seasons, bringing to an end a decade-long run that helped define Netflix’s rise as a global streaming powerhouse.

Netflix Briefly Crashes as ‘Stranger Things’ Finale Premieres, Marking Second Outage This Season

The first-look poster of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 

in a striking new avatar that feels entirely in sync with the filmmaker’s bruised, volatile world. It’s raw, provocative and unabashed, hallmarks of the director of 

. Yes, there’s a cigarette, and yes, a lighter makes the cut too.

Stripped of excess and driven by mood, the restrained poster captures a wounded Prabhas with his back to the camera, attempting to light a cigarette as Triptii Dimri, eyes lowered, holds the lighter for him. Bandaged across his body, including his forehead, he looms like a towering movie star, with a bottle in hand.

"INDIAN CINEMA.... witness your AJANUBAHUDU / AJANUBAHU 🫡 Happy New Year 2026 🤗" Vanga tweeted. The poster was revealed at the stroke of midnight on December 31.

began filming in December, with a tentative 2027 release in sight. The film also co-stars Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj and veteran actress Kanchana.

is speculated to star Prabhas in the role of an angry young police officer who takes on a mighty mafia syndicate. It is also reported that the sons of Telugu cinema stalwarts, Trivikram Srinivas and Ravi Teja, Rishie Manoj and Mahadhan Bhupathiraju, are part of the film's direction team as assistant directors.

Written, edited and directed by Vanga, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Krishan Kumar, and Prabhakar Reddy Vanga. Billed as a global entertainer, with a release in multiple languages. 

Triptii Dimri stars in a role that was initially offered to Deepika Padukone, who was the film's female lead, before she exited the project, citing work-hour issues. In response to the controversy, Vanga shared his perspective on social media without naming Padukone, expressing his frustration over creative disagreements and accusing the actor of sharing details about the project prematurely. 

Vanga last directed the 2023 blockbuster 

, which co-starred Ranbir Kapoor. Prabhas, meanwhile, will next be seen in 

'Spirit': Prabhas Gets a Sandeep Reddy Vanga Makeover in First Look

This article is in collaboration with Grand Hyatt Mumbai

For years, Grand Hyatt Mumbai has been a place people return to without needing a reason. Birthdays, business lunches, wedding dinners, late-night drinks that turn into early mornings: the hotel has always understood the role food plays in the city’s social life. This year, it is doubling down on that instinct by sharpening its focus on dining.

Instead of introducing novelty for novelty’s sake, the hotel has chosen to strengthen what already works. With Celini relaunched, Juniper Bar reintroduced, and China House elevated, Grand Hyatt Mumbai places food and drink firmly at the centre of the experience.

Celini’s return is rooted in familiarity. It has long been one of the hotel’s most recognisable restaurants, known for comforting Italian food and welcoming atmosphere. The refreshed version keeps that spirit intact. The space feels warmer, more relaxed, and built for conversation.

The menu stays close to classic Italian cooking, drawing from family recipes and traditional techniques. What changes is the way the food is presented. Several dishes are finished at the table. Risottos are stirred in front of guests. Roasts are carved on a trolley. Sauces come together in real time. It adds a sense of pace to the meal and reminds diners that food can still be a shared experience rather than something that arrives already perfected and untouched.

Celini works because it understands its audience. It is equally comfortable hosting an intimate dinner or a large celebration. Nothing feels overdesigned. The focus stays where it should be, on flavour, warmth and ease.

Robert Dallimore, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences and Area Vice President, West India, said, “The relaunch of Celini is not only an exciting introduction of a new dining experience, but also a nod to the simple wholesomeness of Italian cuisine, which shines through the new space as well as the menu. Guests get to immerse themselves in the true essence of Italian hospitality, where every meal is a celebration of togetherness and the art of living well. Whether it's an intimate dinner, a gathering of friends, or a milestone celebration, Celini promises an unforgettable culinary escapade that transcends the ordinary and leaves a lasting impression.”

The Juniper Bar moves in a different direction altogether. Reintroduced with a new identity, the bar builds its cocktail programme around the five elements. Air, fire, earth, water and ether form the base of its menu, influencing both flavour and composition.

The cocktails are well-balanced and thoughtfully put together. Spices are used carefully, botanicals feel deliberate rather than decorative, and each drink tells a clear story. The space itself mirrors that balance. It is intimate and softly lit, a place that works just as well for a quiet drink as it does for a lively evening.

Juniper feels designed for people who enjoy staying a little longer than planned. It is the kind of bar that fits naturally into the rhythm of the hotel. A drink before dinner. Another after. Or no dinner at all.

Dallimore shared his excitement about this transformation, stating, “With the reimagination of ‘Juniper Bar,’ we are bringing a unique, elemental experience to our guests. As we commemorate 20 years of Grand Hyatt Mumbai, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, offering our patrons an extraordinary space where the elements come alive through masterfully curated flavours and ambience.”

China House’s approach to Chinese cuisine is built on getting the fundamentals right. The cooking stays rooted in traditional techniques, from the use of wok hei to the careful balance of heat, umami and aromatics. While flavours are adjusted for local preferences, the structure of each dish and the integrity of its ingredients remain unchanged. The result is a menu that feels refined without drifting into fusion.

That focus on authenticity has extended beyond the regular menu through an ongoing exchange with Hyatt Hotels across Asia. Guest chefs specialising in regional Chinese cuisines have worked alongside the China House team, bringing with them distinct techniques and flavour profiles. These collaborations offer diners a closer look at the diversity of Chinese cooking, without overcomplicating the experience.

In 2025, this included a collaboration with Lee Kum Kee, in partnership with chefs from Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which centred on classic flavours and traditional methods. 

The response has led to more such collaborations planned for 2026, further expanding China House’s focus on regional Chinese cuisine.

Together, these three dining spaces make a strong case for why the hotel remains such a favourite. In a city where restaurants open and close at a relentless pace, Grand Hyatt Mumbai is choosing longevity. By investing in its kitchens and bars, it reinforces its role not just as a hotel, but as a place people return to for life’s everyday celebrations.

Inside Grand Hyatt Mumbai’s Return to the Centre of the City’s Dining Life

Marvel Studios has released a second teaser trailer for 

, offering a sombre glimpse of Thor’s return and signalling a tonal shift for the long-gestating ensemble film. The footage, which has circulated online in leaked form following theatrical preview screenings, focuses on Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder not as a warrior first, but as a father preparing for another battle.

The teaser opens with Thor alongside his daughter, played by Hemsworth’s real-life child India Rose Hemsworth, before cutting to a moment of private prayer. Addressing his father, he asks for the strength to fight once more—not for glory, but so that he can return home safely. “Not as a warrior, but as warmth,” he says, framing the conflict in emotional rather than mythic terms. The implication is clear: whatever lies ahead will test Thor in ways that brute force alone cannot resolve.

The battle in question is widely understood to be against Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., whose casting marks a striking return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after more than a decade as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Downey’s reappearance, this time as one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, signals both a narrative reset and a calculated act of reinvention for a franchise increasingly shaped by legacy casting and audience memory.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who return to the MCU after 

, described the teaser succinctly on social media: “When even a god has to pray for strength.” The line underlines the film’s apparent interest in vulnerability, a theme echoed in an earlier teaser released weeks ago.

That first official preview focused on Steve Rogers, confirming that Chris Evans will reprise the role despite previous comments suggesting he was finished with the character. The silent sequence shows Rogers riding to a farmhouse, holding a newborn child and later retrieving his Captain America suit from storage. The teaser ends with the words: “Steve Rogers will return in Avengers: Doomsday.”

The last time audiences saw Rogers was at the end of 

 (2019), when he passed the shield to Sam Wilson, now Captain America. His return, alongside Downey’s re-entry into the franchise, points to 

 functioning as both continuation and reckoning for Marvel’s original generation of heroes.

 is scheduled for theatrical release on December 18, 2026.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Teaser Shows Thor Praying For Strength as Marvel Signals a Darker Turn

, director Sundar C’s upcoming Tamil-language film headlined by Nayanthara, have announced the completion of filming. The update was shared through a special announcement glimpse in which cast and crew are seen celebrating the end of production and reflecting on their experience working with the director.

The team also confirmed that actor Sneha will make a special appearance in the film, joining Khushbu Sundar in a cameo role. Sneha, known for performances that balance emotional restraint with dramatic weight in films such as 

, has in recent years taken on selective roles across Tamil and Telugu cinema, often returning to the screen in appearances that lean on familiarity and goodwill rather than scale.

 carries the title of RJ Balaji’s 2020 hit, the sequel shares no narrative continuity with the original film. Sundar C’s version is positioned as a standalone project, signalling a shift in creative approach while retaining the devotional-comedy framework suggested by the name.

Nayanthara, who leads the film, continues her run as one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable stars, following recent appearances that have ranged from large-scale commercial projects to women-led films anchored in star power. Her involvement through Rowdy Pictures, the production banner she runs with filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, underscores her increasing role as both actor and producer within the industry.

The ensemble cast includes Regina Cassandra, Suneel, Yogi Babu, Abhinaya, Ineya, Garuda Raam, Singampuli, Vichu Vishwanath, Ajay Ghosh and Myna Nandhini—actors known for their work across ccharacter-driven roles that anchor mainstream Tamil films.

Music for the sequel is composed by Hip Hop Tamizha Adhi, a frequent collaborator of Sundar C, while the screenplay is co-written by Venkat Raghavan and the director. Cinematography is handled by Gopi Amarnath, with editing by Fenny Oliver and production design by Gururaj.

Backed by Ishari Ganesh’s Vels Films International and co-produced by Avni Cinemax, Rowdy Pictures and Ivy Entertainment, 

 now moves into post-production, with release details yet to be announced.

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